Students may only appeal a sanction of long-term suspension or dismissal (Citizenship Probation (CP), Residence Hall Restrictions (RHR), and the loss of upper-classmen housing may not be appealed).
Bases for Appeal: Appeals of a suspension or dismissal may be made on the following bases only:
- Procedural irregularity that affected the outcome of the matter;
- New evidence that was not reasonably available at the time the determination regarding responsibility or dismissal was made, that could affect the outcome of the matter; or
- A member or members of the Student Conduct Board had a conflict of interest or bias for or against the disciplined party that affected the outcome of the matter.
Student Protocols: If an appeal is submitted, students will
- Submit their appeals to the Vice President for Student Development in writing (email meets this requirement), and
- Submit their appeals within 5 business days of receipt of the sanction letter;
Appeal Office Protocols: When the Vice President for Student Development receives an appeal, they will
- Recuse themselves if a conflict of interest is present;
- Notify the other party (if a Complainant exists in the case) that an appeal has been filed and implement appeal procedures equally for both parties;
- Speak to all parties if necessary;
- Issue a written decision describing the result of the appeal and the rationale for the result, which can be one of the following:
- Affirm the original Student Conduct Board determination regarding the Respondent’s responsibility and affirm the disciplinary sanctions and remedies (if applicable);
- Affirm the original Student Conduct Board determination regarding the Respondent’s responsibility but amend the disciplinary sanctions and remedies (if applicable);
- Remand the process back to the Student Conduct Board to remedy any procedural irregularity or consider any new evidence;
- Reverse the Student Conduct Board’s disciplinary sanctions and remedies (if applicable).
Other Appeal Process Considerations:
- When students appeal a suspension or dismissal, the sanction does not begin until the appeal process has been completed.
- The decision of the Vice President for Student Development—or the Appeals Officer who rules in the case of a recusal—is final. In short, the students may not appeal the decision of an appeals officer.